Rob Yates, far right, is pictured on the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry in 2025 along with Bemus Point Mayor Jeff Molnar and Ellery Supervisor Larry Anderson P-J file photo

Rob Yates, longtime North Harmony town supervisor, has decided to retire after the Town Board’s July 13 meeting.

Yates has been the town’s supervisor for the past 13 years. Pouise Ortman, deputy town supervisor, will serve as the supervisor for the remainder of Yates’ term.

In other business, the board hosted a public hearing before adopting a local law establishing standards for low-impact agritourism hosting. The local law supports agricultural operations within the town by allowing the town to establish zoning standards for low-impact agritourism activities. The ordinance applies to all parcels zones A-1 Agricultural and I-1 Light Industrial with a minimum size of five acres. While no Commercial Campground License will be required, agritourism hosting would be limited to a maximum of two guest vehicles (recreational vehicles or campers) at any time with stays limited to one night. No individual guest would be allowed to stay more than 4 nights in a calendar month. All vehicles must be certified as self-contained with no external discharge of waste or gray matter permitted. Guest vehicles will have to be 50 feet from property lines and 200 feet from any neighboring house. Guests will also have to observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with no generator use allowed during quiet hours. Guest area lighting has to be shielded and downward facing, with guests using primary driveways. There would be no parking on public rights-of-way.

Those violating the ordinance would receive a written warning for a first violation, a $250 fine for a second violation and a $500 fine and revocation of Tier 1 privileges for a year.

Hosts will also be required to submit a North Harmony Hosting Registration form and other documents, with the town code enforcement officer submitting the application and supporting documents to the Town Board for approval. Applications will be renewed yearly.

Hosting visitors for farm stays is one way to diversify a farm’s income and provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about farming practices, where their food comes from, and engage with the rural community. Farm stays with tents or RV sites, which offer a low-cost entry point for hosting visitors, have become more popular across the country, according to Penn State Extension. The farm stay in Chautauqua County is currently in Machias, according to www.farmstayus.com. There are three more in Central New York and a few scattered in the middle of Pennsylvania as well.

Board members also unanimously passed a resolution designating the Chautauqua County Humane Society as the town’s recipient of voluntary donations collected if dog owners choose to make voluntary contributions in support of a local animal shelter or the organization with whom a local government has a contract for animal shelter services.

The town will pay $8,670.86 to Freightliner of Buffalo to repair one of its Highway Department trucks as well as donating $2,000 to the Chautauqua Lake Partnership and $8,000 to the Chautauqua Lake Association. The board also decided not to put a porta potty or trash bin at the Stow Ferry Park. Members also decided the town will not let anyone cut firewood at Butts Park.